 |
 |
 |
| For the latest regulatory news, | ||||
| follow us on: | 
|
|
|
|
Greenpeace reports on restricted substances in apparel
Greenpeace International has released a new investigative report, Toxic Threads: The Big Fashion Stitch-Up, which “[exposes] the links between textile manufacturing facilities using toxic chemicals and water pollution.”
In conducting this investigation, Greenpeace tested 141 items of clothing, as purchased in April 2012, from retailers in 29 countries and regions worldwide, and manufactured in at least 18 different countries, mainly in the Global South.
In its testing, Greenpeace found:
- nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) in 89 articles (63% of all items tested), at levels from just above 1 ppm to 45,000 ppm;
- phthalates in all 31 of the samples including plastisol-printed fabric;
- two products containing azo dyes releasing cancer-causing amines; and
- many different industrial chemicals or chemical groups, five of which are classified as “toxic” or “very toxic to aquatic life”, although the concentrations were not identified for the chemicals identified using this screening test.
With this report, Greenpeace urges brands and retailers to better address use of hazardous chemicals, including committing to zero discharge of hazardous chemicals by 1 January 2020.
For help in managing restricted substances in apparel, footwear, and home textiles, contact C&R!
Children’s pajamas under CPSC scrutiny
The United States’ (US) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced two recalls of unsafe children’s pajamas.
Today CPSC announced the recall of:
- 1,130 units of children’s pajamas, manufactured in Turkey, sold online from July-September 2012, for about $48
- 180 units of girls’ pajamas, manufactured in Peru, sold in boutiques and specialty stores, as well as online, from August 2008-September 2011, for $30-45
Both products were recalled for failure to meet federal flammability standards, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.
For more on children’s sleepwear flammability requirements, CPSC enforcement, or anything else, contact C&R!
Ukraine publishes Draft Resolution approving technical regulations on safety of machinery
On the 19th of November Ukraine published a draft Resolution which will repeal the current Resolution no 933, 2010 Approving Technical Regulations on Safety of Machines and Equipment.
This Technical Regulation establishes requirements for the machines to protect the life or health rights, protection of animals or plants, as well as property and environmental environment, conformity assessment of machinery and equipment and their circulation in the Ukranian market.
The Technical Regulations have been developed in accordance with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Several products are in scope amongst them Audio Visual Equipment,Copiers,Large Household Electrical Appliances & Machinery etc
This resolution shall take effect six months after publication.
For more information on this resolution or if you have an interest in receiving information on global product safety laws please contact us
Australia publishes Defence Trade Controls Act 2012
On the 15th of November the Australian government published the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 This is “An Act to regulate dealings in certain goods, services and technologies, and for related purposes”. The Act received Royal Assent on November the 13th
The Bill was originally introduced into parliament in November 2011
The following is a simplified outline of this Act:
“• This Act regulates dealings in items listed in the Defence and Strategic Goods List (the DSGL) and in items covered by the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty between Australia and the United States of America.
• Part 2 creates offences for persons who:
(a) supply DSGL technology without a permit; or
(b) arrange for other persons to engage in dealings relating to goods listed in the DSGL, or to DSGL technology, without a permit; or
(c) publish or otherwise disseminate DSGL technology to the public.
• Part 3 contains provisions implementing the Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty between Australia and the United States of America.
• Part 4 deals with monitoring compliance with Parts 3 and 6.
• Part 5 contains information‑gathering powers.
• Part 6 deals with record‑keeping obligations.
• Part 7 deals with review of decisions.
• Part 8 deals with various other matters (such as injunctions, forfeiture of things and delegations).”
C&R can help you monitor amendments to this legislation and can provide you will daily alerts on global export control legislation. Our experts on this subject matter can help clarify the legislation and how it may impact upon your Company. For more information please see our products page or contact us.
Switzerland publishes amendment to Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Order
On November the 7th Switzerland published an Ordinance on the official classification and labeling of substances.
The Ordinance will amend Article 2 of The base Order of 28 June 2005 which covers the classification and labeling of certain substances. Article 2 applies to Classifications and European labels.
This amendment will come into force on 1 December 2012.
C2P can help you track this legislation and similar global legislation. We also offer subject expertise and market access reports which can help you deal with market lock out and can help your company avoid substantial financial penalties imposed by legislation. For more information please look at our products page or for a 30 day free trial please contact us.
Greenpeace issues 18th ‘Guide to Greener Electronics’
Greenpeace has issued the 18th edition of its Guide to Greener Electronics.
The Guide evaluates consumer electronics companies, based upon their commitment and progress in three environmental criteria: Energy and Climate, Greener Products, and Sustainable Operations.
The Guide scores companies on overall policies and practices – not on specific products – to provide consumers with a snapshot of the sustainability of the biggest names in the industry.
According to Greenpeace, while the industry overall has taken several strides in the right direction, crucial and growing problems remain:
- More people around the world are gaining access to electronic devices, and while proper electronic take-back programs proliferate, the speed of collection is not keeping pace with the rate of consumption, creating ever greater amounts of toxic e-waste.
- Companies have largely left unaddressed the massive quantities of dirty energy embedded in their manufacturing and supply chains, much of it coming from East Asia.
- In addition, most companies have yet to meaningfully engage in the political process to create the ambitious action we need to make the greenest electronics and prevent the most devastating climate change impacts.
Australia’s ACCC issues alerts on magnet bans
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued news alerts and updated its FAQs to reflect new information on its permanent, Australia-wide ban on small, high-powered magnets.
The ban, originally notified on 12 November 2012, took effect on 15 November 2012. It replaces an interim ban, enacted on 23 August 2012.
The permanent ban applies to magnets that:
- are loose or separable
- are small enough to fit into the small parts cylinder used in the mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age
- have a magnetic flux of 50 or more
and are marketed by the supplier as, or supplied for use as any of the following:
- a toy, game or puzzle (including but not limited to an adult desk toy, an educational toy or game, a toy, game or puzzle for mental stimulation or stress relief)
- a construction or modelling kit
- jewelry to be worn in or around the mouth or nose.
The magnets, which are used in certain novelty items marketed to adults, can cause serious injury or death if swallowed or inhaled by children.
The magnets cannot be sold or made available for sale. The banned products include:
- BuckyBalls
- Buckycubes
- Nanodots
- Neocubes
- Neodymium sphere magnets
- Xcube
Korea publishes 2 Electrical appliance safety standards revisions for Comment
On November the 14th Korea’s Agency for Technology and Standards published details of the proposed revisions under paragraph 3 of Article 3 of the Electrical Appliances Safety Control Act.
The first Notice looks to revise K61347-2-13 (Lamp controlgear Part 2-13: LED module for DC / AC power electronic drive unit for individual requirements).
The second Notice looks to revise amongst others A. K 60884-1 (household and similar purposes – plug and outlet — Part 1: General requirements).
Feedback on the proposed revisions are welcomed from institutions, organizations, or individuals and can be sent directly to the Agency for Technology and Standards.
Deadline for comments is the 25 of December 2012.
C&R can help you with the texts of these revisions and track similar legislation in Korea and throughout the globe. If you have any questions on this or would like a free 30 day trial of our system please contact us
UK publishes several Statutory Instruments on Exports
On the 14th of November the UK government published new Statutory Instruments in relation to exports.
Sanctions were published in relation to Zimbabwe, Eritrea and Iraq and restrictive measures were published in relation to The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia.
Zimbabwe: “This order gives effect in specified Overseas Territories to the measures adopted by the European Union in Council Decision 2011/101 CFSP, as amended, which replaced Common Position 2004/161/CFSP. This Order revokes and replaces four previous orders.”
Eritrea: “This Order gives effect in specified Overseas Territories to sanctions in respect of Eritrea adopted by the United Nations Security Council in resolution 1907 (2009), as well as exemptions to the sanctions adopted in United Nations Security Council resolution 2060 (2012). The Order also gives effect to implementation of the sanctions by the European Union in Council Decision 2010/127 CFSP, as amended.”
Iraq: “This Order consolidates the asset freezing provisions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in relation to Iraq. Asset freezing obligations were originally imposed by the Security Council in relation to Iraq in Security Council resolution 661 (1990). This Order also amends the Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) (Overseas Territories) Order 2003 to update the definition of “restricted goods”.”
The Democratic Republic of the Congo: “This Order amends the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2003, as amended (“the 2003 Order”). The 2003 Order applies in the Overseas Territories specified in Schedule 1 the measures adopted by the United Nations Security Council in resolution 1493 (2003) and by the Council of the European Union in a Common Position adopted on 17th September 2003.”
Liberia: “This Order further amends the Liberia (Restrictive Measures) (Overseas Territories) Order 2004, as amended) (“the 2004 Order”). The 2004 Order applies in the Overseas Territories specified in Schedule 1 to that Order the measures adopted by the United Nations Security Council in resolution 1521 (2003) and by the Council of the European Union in Common Position 2004/137/CFSP. This Order gives effect to the modified arms embargo measures provided for in United Nations Security Council resolution 1903 (2009) and Council Decision 2010/129/CFSP adopted on 1 March 2010.”
C&R can help you track these Statutory Instruments and similar export legislation throughout the world. Our system allows you to assess the legislation to see whether it affects your Company and can help you communicate the information effectively across each department/ branch of your Company/ Association. C&R can send you daily alerts straight to your email about global legislation across a spectrum of topics like WEEE/ REACH, global product safety. We also have experts that provide information on foreign language Sources that affect Companies today. For more information or a free trial please contact us
AAFA releases Q4 Legislative Matrix
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has updated its Legislative Matrix to reflect regulatory items pending during the Lame Duck session and upcoming year.
The Matrix provides insight into a number of proposed bills and amendments likely to affect the apparel and footwear industries.
According to AAFA, policy makers are expected to address trade measures, such as legislation granting Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) to Russia and Moldova and a package of miscellaneous tariff bills (MTBs) consisting of new proposals for duty relief as well extensions of hundreds of expiring provisions.
Additionally, the AAFA-supported Affordable Footwear Act and a measure to strengthen the US-Philippine trade partnership are likely to be addressed during Q4.
For more on legislation likely to affect the apparel and footwear industry, contact us!